GEORGIA FINDS IT CAN'T AFFORD CONSUMER COUNSEL AT COMMISSION

摘要

The Georgia Consumers Utility Counsel is being disbanded under the fiscal 2009 state budget so the state Office of Consumer Affairs can carry out an order by the governor to cut state spending 6 percent. The action cuts about $390,000 from the office's budget. The staff of the consumer counsel was cut in half, to four, in the fiscal 2008 budget. The unit "will be sorely missed," but the Public Service Commission's advocacy staff will take on some its role representing consumers, commission Chairman Chuck Eaton said. Commissioner Angela Spier said she fears getting rid of the consumer counsel could keep residential and small business customers from being heard in commission cases.